Smithtown Parks To Undergo More Renovations

SMITHTOWN, NY — Additional upgrades to the Town of Smithtown parks system are on the way following authorization from the town board, according to a news release.

Improvements are planned for Burr Winkle, Whitman Hollow, Moriches and Charles P.Toner/Armory Parks. Additions include new basketball, tennis/pickleball courts, and new synthetic turf for baseball fields.

Recently completed parks projects include the construction of new playgrounds at Short Beach and Flynn Memorial parks. A major facelift is currently underway at Whitman Hollow Park, with new sidewalks, drainage and infrastructure repairs.

"Outdoor leisure is vital for both the mental and physical well-being of every resident, young and old," Supervisor Edward Wehrheim stated. "With so much uncertainty out there over the Delta variant, we believe that the Town has an obligation to improve as many of our outdoor facilities as we possibly can, as we weather this storm another year together."

The reconditioning of the basketball courts at Moriches Park, which have become increasingly popular over the last two years according to the town, will ensure player safety and an optimal game experience. The town also plans to add synthetic turf to the baseball infield which will improve playing conditions and add to field time.

Renovation plans at Burr Winkle Park include the complete resurfacing of the basketball and tennis courts. One of the tennis courts will be converted to allow for pickleball. The town received a number of requests from the community, at the time the capital budget was presented, to include pickleball conversions in the town's park renovation plans.

In Nesconset, the Town plans to refurbish the tennis court surfacing, adding pickleball conversion to Charles P.Toner/Armory Park.

These improvements are in addition to the projects laid out in the capital improvements budget, which include the complete renovation of East Hills and Laurel Drive parks. Both community parks projects were pushed to the fall so families can use the facilities while kids are home and coronavirus numbers were down, the town stated.

Construction work is set to begin once the school year is in session.

Wehrheim credited the Smithtown Parks Department as having "truly earned their stripes over the last two years especially."

"They work around the clock, sanitizing and maintaining our public spaces, and have an exceptionally big list of major projects, both completed and soon to be underway," Wehrheim said. "No matter how busy they are, the work they’ve done thus far has been superior … They truly love creating and improving the facilities for our residents to enjoy. I am deeply grateful for their continued efforts and commitment to the people of Smithtown."